The staff asks, โWhat do you want?โ and immediately repeats the question before the student has time to find the words on the device
Insufficient wait time. Why it matters: AAC users need a pauseโmultiple secondsโto locate and express words; rushing disrupts communication flow
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baam
Lose 15 points!
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gift
Win 25 points!
Okay!
rocket
Go to first place!
Okay!
thief
Give points!
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15
Core-word reminders or visual supports (like โhelp,โ โmore,โ โgoโ) are posted far from student and staff sight linesโnobody notices them during activities.
Lack of visible cues. Why it matters: Visible prompts promote consistent modeling and reinforce AAC use across contexts
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15
The AAC device is tucked away in a backpack during most of the school day, making it hard for the student to access and use.
Physical inaccessibility --it matters: Without easy access, meaningful communication opportunities diminish
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15
The student consistently uses single words (e.g., โeatโ), but the staff only repeat the sameโnever extending language
Barrier: Lack of aided language modeling beyond the studentโs current level. Why it matters: Effective modeling (โplus-oneโ language) supports language developm
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15
During group time, paraprofessionals interact verbally while ignoring the studentโs AAC device entirely.
Modeling only through speechโnot using the studentโs AAC system. Why it matters: Aided language modeling (touching/interacting with the device when speaking)
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15
The device only includes topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., only โbathroomโ or โsnackโ), but essential core words (โhelp,โ โI,โ โgo,โ โmoreโ) are missing.
Incomplete or non-robust vocabulary systems. Why it matters: Core words are vital across settings and purposes; absence limits expression and flexibility